Dutch Dressage News

Olympic Barbria Passed Away

May 3, 2006

The Dutch Olympic dressage horse Barbria (by Doruto x Amor) has passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday following a colic attack. "To her last day, she was completely healthy and bucking in the field. She loved being surrounded by the little foals in the field," said a saddened owner Isabel van Gisbergen-Sponselee. Barbria was enjoying her retirement at Stable Bria in Hooge Mierde, The Netherlands, after a long and successful career in international dressage.

Under Tineke Bartels, Barbria competed at the 1996 and 1997 World Cup Finals and she won team silver at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. Imke Schellekens-Bartels took over the ride on Barbria from her mother in 1997. The pair competed at the 1998 and 199 World Cup Finals.

"Barbria was a really special mare for me," Imke Schellekens said. "She was my very first Grand Prix horse and she has such a special character. She was often called a "hot head" but she always went for it. She was better at shows than at home."

Photo copyrighted: Dirk Caremans
Source: Horses Academy

Related Links
Barbria Retired!
Dressagedaily: Doruto Leading Dressage Sire
Dressagedaily: Imke Bartels and Olympic Barbria